MELODRAMATIC \ NEUROTIC GERBILS........help?

Question

I have two gerbils ( not full grown \ 7 weeks old \ males).
I have had them from an earley age. But they are completely UNTAME they are scared to DEATH of me!!!! If i am in the room they freak-out and stand frozen with fear( then run away if i move closer). If i hold them they get so scared they try to jump \bite\ect.
I have tryed sticking my hand in the cage but they dont come to me they just run or try to chew on me! i can some-times feed them a sunflower seed from my hand but after they get it they run to the "nest" , eat , then sit in a fearful way. I havent done anythng to scare them. I am afriad i may drop one or something. please give me taming tips.... for real , please dont post stupid answers beacause i WILL report abuse if you do!!!!

p.s i have been "trying" to tame them for 3 weeks and they just dont seem to get any better

p.s.s melodramatic means you are overly dramatic over small things

Answer 1

how often do you try to hold them?

try it every day.
put their favorite treat (sunflower seed) in your hand and just wait (be very patient) eventually they will come and snatch it away. over time, they will come and sit in your hand while they eat it.

I had two gerbils who were the same way (but maybe not quite as frantic as yours..... mine were female..... maybe they are slightly calmer than males?)

anyway, they are little fireballs of energy when they are young.
hang in there. DAILY attempts at contact with them will get them used to you.
and as they get older, they will slow down a lot, trust me.

Answer 2

If you want to hold them [and prevent biting/scratching/etc.], you can gently hold them by the scruff of their neck while supporting their body with your other hand.

Tips:
-Don't speak loudly around them or make sharp movements.
-If the gerbils are sleeping, don't wake them [it's extremely frightening for them].
-Offer treats if they approach you.
-Gradually start moving the treat closer to you [i.e. on your hand, up your arm, etc.]
-If they're extremely wild, the main thing you need to do is to gain their trust. You could sit by their cage, keeping talking and movement to a minimum. Don't look at them or try to pet them, just sit there for a while.
Sooner or later, they'll understand that you aren't trying to harm them.

Answer 3

i've had my gerbils for about a month, and they still arent' tamed. trust me, it's gonna take more time. just work at it everyday, and be patient.

good luck!!

Answer 4

Go to a pet store and ask them for help they may have a book or training tips.